Julia Gillard reveals cover of 'My Story' book

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My Story: Julia Gillard's memoir will be published on October 1, and is expected to reveal what it was "really like to be a prime minister". Photo: Random House

The much-anticipated memoirs of Australia's first female prime minister will have to be anticipated for a little longer, but the title and cover were revealed on Wednesday night.

My Story is the name Julia Gillard has given to the 448-page tome chronicling her three years and three days leading the country.

"I was prime minister for three years and three days. Three years and three days of resilience. Three years and three days of changing the nation. Three years and three days for you to judge," Ms Gillard writes.

She is pictured in white with her chin resting on her clasped hands on the book's cover.

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The cover and title were revealed at an industry event on Wednesday night attended by booksellers and Australia's 27th prime minister.

The book itself is due to be published on October 1.

In a statement on its website, publishers Random House quoted Ms Gillard as saying: “Writing this book has been exhilarating and cathartic.

"Sometimes the words flowed quickly and easily. On other occasions, days of reflection were needed to work through memories of difficult times and the resilience required during them.

"In My Story, I describe what it was really like to be prime minister, what happened and why it matters for our nation.”

The statement was accompanied by a video of the head of the International Monetary Fund, Christine Lagarde, praising Ms Gillard.

"A woman is a bit like a tea bag," Ms Lagarde said, quoting former US first lady Eleanor Roosevelt.

"You only know how strong she is when you put her in hot water.

"Well, the Australian waters were certainly hot for Julia as she conducted the country through a difficult economic crisis."